Life is never lived in a straight line. The Stoic’s practiced anticipation and acceptance for things as they happen. Grateful in the knowledge that all things happen as they are supposed to happen. Whether or not you learn to be grateful in all things, perseverance is certainly required throughout your life.

Imagine for a moment that you wake up in the hospital being told that your dominant hand was “degloved” and you’d be lucky to have 50-60% use of it after a year of reconstructive surgeries and rehabilitation. Now imagine all the activities you’d have to learn to use your non-dominant hand to complete. Tying your shoes, signing your name, holding your Starbucks. 

When life deals you a hand like that, you learn a thing or two about perseverance. About accepting what has happened to you and making the best out of the situation. There is no changing it, only changing you. You always have a choice to let the circumstances in life change you for the better. 

Today, practice an attitude of gratitude. What situation or circumstance in your life was extremely difficult and what good came out of it? Have you used the experience to move forward or as an excuse to stay put. Here’s a piece of advice, don’t stand in where you’ve been. Take a step forward, and just keep going.